What happened
On 6 September 2016, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BDWY, was performing a private flight at Great Massingham Airfield in Norfolk. During the landing phase on Runway 04, the pilot encountered turbulence at an altitude of approximately 50 ft. This resulted in the aircraft touching down and bouncing on the runway.
In an attempt to recover, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure by applying full throttle and adjusting the flaps to 10°. Although the aircraft reached an altitude of roughly 10-0 ft, it failed to achieve the necessary climb. Faced with approaching obstacles, including a barn and trees at the runway threshold, the pilot opted to land the aircraft in a nearby ploughed field. The aircraft came to a stop in an upright position, though the landing gear, left wing, and engine controls sustained damage. The pilot escaped the incident without any injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the failed climb. During the post-accident securing of the aircraft, the pilot observed that the throttle control was sticking and exhibited restricted movement. The pilot initially suspected that the mechanical issue might have been triggered by the initial touchdown, which had also caused a puncture to the nosewheel. It is believed that this stuck throttle prevented the engine from delivering the required power for a successful go-around.